Iran’s foreign minister met Turkish leaders to discuss regional stability and nuclear diplomacy amid rising tensions with the United States…reports Asian Lite News
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday held high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, focusing on bilateral ties, regional stability and Iran’s position on nuclear negotiations amid rising tensions with the United States.
In a post on X following the meetings, Araghchi said he had reiterated Iran’s long-standing position that it has never sought nuclear weapons and remains open to a fair and balanced agreement that safeguards the country’s legitimate interests. “Always pleased to engage with President Erdogan and FM Fidan on Iran–Turkiye bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern,” he wrote.
Araghchi stressed that Iran is ready to embrace a “fair and equitable” nuclear deal that ensures the complete lifting of sanctions while reaffirming the principle of “no nuclear weapons.” He added that Turkiye, along with other regional neighbours, has played a constructive role by offering its good offices to promote peace and stability in the region.
“Along with other brotherly neighbours, Turkiye has extended its good offices in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” Araghchi said. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is grateful for such efforts and welcomes them. Iran always stands ready to engage with regional states to protect peace and stability in our region and shield it from unlawful aggression.”
The talks come at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Iran remains open to negotiations with the United States, but only under fair conditions. He made it clear that dialogue cannot proceed while military threats loom.
“Iran has no problem with negotiations, but negotiations cannot take place under the shadow of threats,” Araghchi told reporters during his visit to Turkiye on Friday. His remarks follow statements by US President Donald Trump, who has refused to rule out military action against Iran amid ongoing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Araghchi also categorically ruled out any discussion of Iran’s defensive capabilities as part of potential negotiations. Speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, he said Iran’s missile programme and defence policies were non-negotiable.
“I should also state unequivocally that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities — and Iran’s missiles — will never be the subject of any negotiations,” he said. Emphasising Iran’s sovereign right to self-defence, Araghchi added that the country would continue to strengthen its capabilities as necessary.
“The security of the Iranian people is no one else’s business,” he said, according to Al Jazeera. “We will preserve and expand our defensive capabilities to whatever extent is necessary to defend the country.”
Relations between Tehran and Washington have deteriorated further in recent weeks, with tensions fuelled by Trump’s repeated warnings of possible military action. The US president has cited Iran’s nuclear activities and a recent crackdown on anti-government protests as key concerns, while continuing to push for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran, however, has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its nuclear activities are purely for peaceful purposes. Tehran has also accused the United States of escalating tensions through sanctions, military threats and what it describes as interference in its internal affairs.
Against this backdrop, Turkiye has positioned itself as a key regional interlocutor, maintaining dialogue with both Iran and Western powers. Analysts say Ankara’s diplomatic engagement reflects its broader effort to reduce regional instability and prevent further escalation.
Araghchi’s visit underscores Iran’s emphasis on regional diplomacy at a time of mounting pressure from Washington. By engaging with neighbouring countries such as Turkiye, Tehran appears keen to project its willingness for dialogue, while firmly asserting red lines on national security and defence.
